The State of New Mexico will begin sending out text messages and interrupting television and radio programs during the new coronavirus outbreak.
The first test will be sent out at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office.
“The system is intended to disseminate important information widely and as quickly as possible and is not a cause for alarm,” a press release from state spokesperson Nora Sackett said.
Similar to the amber alert system, the emergency alert system is the latest escalation of government intervention. The goal, according to the governor, is to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
As of the publication of this article, the governor said at least 100 people in New Mexico have COVID-19. On Wednesday, the governor also announced the first death from the disease in Eddy County.
Justin Garcia is the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Just516garc
